Mexico’s Day of Independence celebrated with a bustling fiesta
While many South of the border had their own celebrations, Saddleback’s own Spanish Club decided that they needed to pay homage to Mexico on Wednesday September 15th, and join in on the festivities on behalf of Mexico’s Day of Independence.
This particular anniversary was not just like any other. It was Mexico’s bicentennial, or in other words, it has been 200 years since Mexico has been free from Spanish rule.
“It’s a very important date not just for Mexicans but also the entire South America because they all fought for their independence but Mexico kind of started. It means a lot that we are an independent country for 200 years now. It’s not just a celebration but also a reminder that freedom of vote and speech is important and when a country comes united to fight for equal opportunities, we can accomplish a lot,” said Yuritzi Miranda, 23, Spanish major, and President of the Spanish Club.
The event started around 7:00pm in room 325 of the Business/General Studies building.
The evening was filled with exuberance. Delicious free food was brought by many generous members of the club. The multi-cultural menu included rice, beans, tamales, “saludables” (health foods) and many more dishes. Later on, desert was served. Although, the event was primarily centered on Mexico, the club welcomed any person from a different culture to participate in the fun.
Once everyone had served themselves, Yuritzi Miranda, the President of the club, and America Cox, the Vice President of the club, gave a concise presentation on the history behind the occasion, which started with the mention of a symbolic action that started the war, Miguel Hidalgo’s Grito de Dolores.
“I was very proud to have had presented the power point and to inform others about it too. It was a success because my [goal] was to educate everybody on the celebration,” said Miranda.
But what is a Spanish cultured celebration without some dancing? There was dancing at various times throughout the night. Many times the dancing was started by the club’s adviser Carmenmara Hernandez-Bravo. The music consisted of merengue and salsa mixes, and of course, a classic song by Elvis Crespo, “Suavemente.”
“I was pleased by how the event went. I wished that we would have been able to use the student lounge. But I was so happy that so many people contributed with the event. As the night progressed, more people started dancing. That was fun,” said America Cox, 20, Nursing major, and Vice President of the club.
The Spanish Club is looking forward to organizing a clothing donation drive for the less fortunate sometime in October. They will also be celebrating Día de los Muertos on November 2nd. Another goal for this year is to motivate teenagers to stay in school.
“If you want to join the Spanish Club simply e-mail us at [email protected]. If [you] want to learn about different Spanish speaking cultures [you] should join the club. We are a tight group and it’s a great place to gain friends,” said Cox.
By the look of it, everyone seemed to have a great time. On that day, the message was clear and simple, “¡Viva Mexico!”